The NBA's hopes of starting a new independent league in Europe by the end of 2027 are on schedule, commissioner Adam Silver said before the start of the NBA Finals.
That plan - a joint effort involving the NBA and FIBA, the sport's global governing body - has been in the works for years, but is nearing a launch at a particularly exciting time for the game in Europe with the burgeoning superstardom of San Antonio star Victor Wembanyama.
The Defensive Player of the Year has led the Spurs to the finals this season, and even 2.30am start times for games in his native France aren't deterring plans for watch parties and other gatherings to celebrate Wembanyama's first appearance in the NBA's championship series.